Rotork Manual Modbus Rtu

Modbus RTU Actuator Control
Mk 3 Option Card
Technical Manual
(IQ3, SI3, CVA, CMA, K-Range)
Publication PUB091-004-00_1219
Modbus MFU Option Card Installation Manual
The Modbus card described in this manual has been designed to fully comply with Modbus
protocol specifications. This means that network biasing must be used somewhere on the
highway to ensure good communications. See Section 4.
The Modbus card described in this manual contains static-sensitive devices. Suitable
precautions, such as wearing an earthed anti-static wrist strap, should be taken before
handling the card. It should be kept in an anti-static bag or box while it is not fitted within an
actuator.
Note 1: The Modbus Modules described in this manual are suitable for inclusion in Rotork
IQ3, SI₃, CVA (Only firmware version CVA1.14 or later), CMA and K-range actuators.
Note 2: Although the same Modbus module is fitted to the different ranges of actuators, there
will be different numbers of valid inputs and outputs for each range, depending on the actuator
capabilities. For example, actuators not fitted with a battery cannot report Battery Low.
Note 3: The information in this manual relates to the following Modbus module firmware
version: V0050 or later.
Note 4: Throughout this manual the Modbus Module may simply be referred to as the module,
card or MFU (Modbus Field Unit – the circuit board fitted to the actuator in the field).
Note 5: Inputs are the status messages from the actuator and outputs are the command
messages to the actuator.
As we are continually developing our products their design is subject to change without notice.
© The contents of this document are copyright and must not be reproduced without the written
permission of Rotork Controls Ltd.
The names Allen, Bluetooth, Modbus, Rotork and Torx are registered trademarks.
2 of 64 Publication PUB091-004-00_1219
Contents
Contents
Glossary of Terms: ............................................................................................................................ 5
Abbreviations: .................................................................................................................................... 6
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 7
1.1 General ..................................................................................................................................... 8
2 MODBUS OPTION CARD PROPERTIES ...................................................... 9
2.1 Mechanical properties ............................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Electrical Properties ............................................................................................................. 10
2.3 Operation and Storage ......................................................................................................... 10
3 Fitting the Modbus module Option Card .................................................. 11
3.1 Inside an IQ3 actuator .......................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Replacing or Fitting a Modbus Module Option Card ......................................................... 11
3.3 Inside an SI₃ actuator ............................................................................................................ 12
3.4 Inside a CVA actuator ........................................................................................................... 13
3.5 Inside a CMA actuator .......................................................................................................... 14
3.6 Inside a K-Range actuator .................................................................................................... 18
4 RS-485 Data Highway, Connections and MFU Setup .............................. 19
4.1 Data Highway......................................................................................................................... 19
4.2 Highway Topology ................................................................................................................ 20
4.3 Cable Types ........................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 Termination Network ............................................................................................................ 22
4.5 Inter-connecting the Highway and Setting up the MFU .................................................... 23
4.5.1 Single Highway ................................................................................................................ 23
4.5.2 Dual Highway ................................................................................................................... 23
4.5.3 Single Highway with Internal Repeater ............................................................................ 24
5 The Actuator Input and Output Signals .................................................... 25
5.1 Control Outputs..................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.1 Controls Priority ............................................................................................................... 29
5.1.2 Modbus Control using Individual Coil commands............................................................ 29
5.1.3 Modbus Control using the ACTCON Register ................................................................. 30
5.1.4 Modbus Control using the Actuator Position DV register ................................................ 30
5.1.5 The IQ3 ‘S’ contacts (Modbus DOs). ............................................................................... 30
5.1.6 IQ3 Modbus Network Control Disable feature ................................................................. 31
5.2 Actuator Digital Input Status Feedback .............................................................................. 31
5.2.1 Digital Inputs from the Actuator ....................................................................................... 32
5.3 Actuator Analogue Input Feedback .................................................................................... 36
5.4 IQ3 Data Logger Information ............................................................................................... 36
6 Modbus Communication ............................................................................ 39
6.1 Electrical Specification ......................................................................................................... 39
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6.2 Outer Protocol ....................................................................................................................... 39

6.3 Repeaters ............................................................................................................................... 39
6.4 Dual Channel Mode ............................................................................................................... 40
7 Modbus Database ....................................................................................... 41
7.1 Modbus RTU Message Frame .............................................................................................. 41
7.2 Modbus Address ................................................................................................................... 41
7.3 Function Code Support ........................................................................................................ 42
7.4 Broadcast Commands .......................................................................................................... 44
7.5 Data Location Offsets ........................................................................................................... 44
7.6 Data Locations ...................................................................................................................... 44
7.6.1 Data Accessed with Function Code 01 - Read Coils ....................................................... 44
7.6.2 Data Accessed with Function Code 02 - Read Discrete Inputs ....................................... 45
7.6.3 Data Accessed with Function Code 03 - Read Holding Registers .................................. 46
7.6.4 Data Accessed with Function Code 04 - Read Input Registers ...................................... 48
7.6.5 Data Accessed with Function Code 05 and 15 – Force Single and Multiple Coils .......... 49
7.6.6 Data Accessed with Function Code 06 and 16 – Preset Single and Multiple Registers . 49
7.6.7 Data Accessed with Function Code 07 – Read Exception Status ................................... 49
7.6.8 Data Accessed with Function Code 08 – Loopback Diagnostic Test .............................. 50
7.6.9 Data Accessed with Function Code 17 – Report Slave ID .............................................. 50
7.7 Database Summary:.............................................................................................................. 51
7.8 Configuration Registers ....................................................................................................... 53
7.9 Actuator Related Configurable Parameter Registers ........................................................ 54
7.9.1 Action on Loss of Comms (Register 7) ............................................................................ 55
7.9.2 Limited Range Position Minimum and Maximum (Registers 8 and 9) ............................. 55
7.9.3 Deadband and Hysteresis (Registers 10 and 14)............................................................ 55
7.9.4 Motion Inhibit Timer (MIT) (Register 11) .......................................................................... 57
7.9.5 Auxiliary Input Mask (Register 12) ................................................................................... 57
7.9.6 Comms Lost Position (Register 13) ................................................................................. 58
7.9.7 ESD DI-4/Net Disable (Register 19) ................................................................................ 58
7.9.8 Analogue Input Max/Min (Register 20) ............................................................................ 58
7.9.9 Comms Fault Timer (Register 21) ................................................................................... 58
7.10 Modbus Network Related Configurable Parameter Registers ...................................... 59
7.10.1 Modbus Address (Register 22) ........................................................................................ 59
7.10.2 Baud Rate (Register 23) .................................................................................................. 59
7.10.3 Parity and Stop Bits (Register 24) ................................................................................... 59
7.10.4 Termination (Register 25) ................................................................................................ 59
7.10.5 Actuator Tag Name (Register 26 to 31) ........................................................................... 59
8 Setting Up and Maintaining the MFU ........................................................ 61
8.1 Using a Network Configuration Tool................................................................................... 61
8.2 Setting up an IQ3 with the Setting Tool .............................................................................. 61
8.3 Maintenance and Repair ....................................................................................................... 62
8.4 Records .................................................................................................................................. 62
8.5 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 63
Contents
Table of Figures
Fig 1: The Modbus Module Option Card Actuator Compatibility ..................................................... 7

Fig 2: The Modbus Field Unit .......................................................................................................... 9
Fig 3: The MFU and its location behind the control module in an IQ3 .......................................... 11
Fig 4: The MFU located on the underside of the control PCB in a CVA actuator ......................... 13
Fig 5: The MFU located in a CMA actuator ................................................................................... 14
Fig 6: CMA menu structure for setting up the actuator: start at the BASIC setting ....................... 15
Fig 7: CMA menu structure for setting up the actuator: from the ADVANC setting, ..................... 16
Fig 8: CMA menu structure for setting up the actuator: from the COMMS setting,....................... 17
Fig 9: Connections to the MFU located in a CMA actuator ........................................................... 17
Fig 10: The MFU located in a K-Range actuator ............................................................................. 18
Fig 11: Typical RS-485 Data Highway ............................................................................................ 19
Fig 12: RS-485 Data Highway Topology ......................................................................................... 20
Fig 13: Typical RS-485 cable .......................................................................................................... 21
Fig 14: Active Termination for RS-485 highway. Biasing resistor values are typical. ..................... 22
Fig 15: Input and Output Data Direction .......................................................................................... 25
Fig 16: IQ3 Control Priorities ........................................................................................................... 29
Fig 17: Modbus transaction format .................................................................................................. 41
Fig 18: Limited Range Position Control and Reporting ................................................................... 55
Fig 19: Deadband and Hysteresis settings...................................................................................... 56
Glossary of Terms:
Address The unique address for a node on a particular highway of the fieldbus.
The address range is 1-247.
Enlight A graphical user interface for Bluetooth communication with CVA
actuators. This is downloadable from the Rotork web site,
www.rotork.com
Fieldbus The digital, two-way, multi-drop communication links.
Field Unit The Modbus Mk 3 option card fitted to the actuator.
Insight2 A graphical user interface for communication with IQ3, SI3 and CVA
actuators. This is downloadable from the Rotork web site,
www.rotork.com
Interoperability The capability for a device from one manufacturer to interact with that
of another manufacturer, on a fieldbus network, without loss of
functionality.
Master/Slave Method of communication used by the Modbus Module. The fieldbus
requires a Modbus master to control the data exchange on the
highway.
Modbus The communication protocol used for data exchange, as defined in
IEC 61850.
Modbus RTU The version of the protocol used by the Rotork module.
Node A single device on the fieldbus.
Parity Bit added to data for error detection.
Partial Stroke Test Moving a little-used valve by a small percentage from an end limit and
then returning it, proving that it will operate when required. Safety
related.
RS-485 The electrical properties of the data highway as defined by the IEC
8482 standard, copper conductors, 2-wire twisted pair.
Segment A section of an RS-485 fieldbus that is terminated at each end in its
characteristic impedance. Each Segment can include up to 32 devices
with unitary load.
Abbreviations:
ACTCON Actuator Control (Register).

CMA Compact Modulating Actuator.
Comms Communications.
CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check (error detection).
CVA Control Valve Actuator.
CVL Linear version of CVA.
CVQ Quarter-turn version of CVA.
DIO 1 Digital Input / Output Board, type 1.
DIO 2 Digital Input / Output Board, type 2.
DV Desired Value.
ESD Emergency Shut Down.
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission.
MFU Modbus Field Unit.
MV Measured Value.
PCB Printed Circuit Board.
PLC Programmable Logic Controller.
RAM Random Access Memory.
RIRO 1 Remote Input / Remote Output Board, Type 1.
RIRO 2 Remote Input / Remote Output Board, Type 2.
ROM Read Only Memory.
RTU Remote Terminal Unit.
SW Software.
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply (CVA only).
Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION
The Rotork Modbus Module Actuator Field Control option card (MFU) uses 2-wire (half duplex) RS-
485 and the Modbus RTU protocol to allow for information exchange and control over the data
highway between the actuator and a suitable host system with a Modbus capability.
The module is an integral part of the actuator in which it is housed and is fitted within the main
electrical housing. For the IQ3, CVA and K-Range products, this electrical housing is double-sealed
and need not be opened once the actuator leaves the assembly plant. The CMA range of actuators
does not have double sealing and the electrical cover is required to be opened for connecting to Field
connections.
All adjustments to the settings for the module may be made via the Modbus data highway using a
Modbus master tool or via the Infra-red or Bluetooth actuator setting tools for those products that
support those interfaces.
The settings which must be correct for communication are: address, baud rate, parity and stop bits.
These are described in Section 6. The default values are: address 247, baud rate 9600, parity None
and stop bits 1.
The Modbus Module circuits do not impinge on the actuator control electronics; the actuator itself
remaining fully self-protecting. The module performs the tasks of network interface, actuator data
collection and the issuing of actuator commands.
The Modbus Module may command the actuator into which it is fitted to: open, stop, close, perform an
ESD operation, perform a partial stroke test (IQ3 only) or move to a set position. Commands to the
module come from the network and will have been generated in a master controller. The module
operates as a slave in Master/Slave communication mode only, using the Modbus RTU protocol.
IQ3 SI3 K-Range
CVA CMA
Fig 1: The Modbus Module Option Card Actuator Compatibility
1.1 General
The Modbus Module has three variants:
 Single RS-485 highway

 Dual Independent isolated RS-485 highways
 Single RS-485 highway with inbuilt isolating repeater
Communication Medium RS-485 2-wire highway (single or dual), half duplex

Protocol Modbus RTU
Mode Master/Slave; module is a slave.
Modbus Option Card Properties
2 MODBUS OPTION CARD PROPERTIES
2.1 Mechanical properties
The Modbus module option card differs from all previous versions in that it interfaces directly between
the Modbus RTU network and the communication protocol used within the actuator. There is no
intermediate circuit board that it plugs into. We refer to it as the Modbus Field Unit, MFU.
The MFU is a single rectangular printed circuit board that fits inside the actuator electrical housing. It
connects directly to the Control Module PCB of the actuator by a ten pin connector (10 way header,
SK2). The field unit should be carefully fitted so that the connectors mate correctly. The actuator
internal wiring harness connects the field unit at SK3 to the Modbus highway via the actuator terminal
bung. The connector is polarised to prevent incorrect connection.
In the IQ3, the field unit can be fitted directly to the Control Module PCB using either one of the 2 slots
available, or can be fitted on top of another option module that may already be fitted in one of these
slots. There are 4 available slots for option cards to be mounted either directly or indirectly behind the
Control Module PCB.
SK3 – Field
connections.
Control board
connection. SK2
connector fitted on
underside of MFU.
Fig 2: The Modbus Field Unit
2.2 Electrical Properties
The MFU processor circuits communicate to other modules in the actuator via an internal
communications bus. The MFU does not sit in the main control path for the actuator and does not
affect the actuator control integrity. The MFU processor contains the firmware for the unit. The
firmware version is indicated on the label fitted to the processor. It can also be read from the actuator
using the setting tool, by using Insight with Infra-red or by using Insight2 with Bluetooth, where
appropriate.
Additionally, the circuit includes non-volatile memory that is used to store specific field unit
communications settings.
The Modbus RS-485 fieldbus data highway connections are fully isolated from the actuator
electronics.
2.3 Operation and Storage

The MFU is designed to be stored in the actuator and operated within the same environment as the
actuator. The constraints are:
 Operating temperature: -40deg C to +70deg C

 Storage temperature: -50deg C to +85deg C
 Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% (<50deg C) non-condensing
3 FITTING THE MODBUS MODULE OPTION CARD
3.1 Inside an IQ3 actuator
The MFU is suitable for fitting into IQ3 actuators. When factory-fitted, their wiring diagrams will contain
an ‘M’ - 100M2000 for single channel and 100M3000 for dual channel. The MFU can be located in one
of 2 or 4 option ‘slots’ located on the back of the control module PCB, housed in the electrical cover.
There are 2 slots for directly connecting the option module to the control module and where those
slots are already filled, the option card can be fitted on top of the existing modules. The modules can
be stacked 2 high where a ‘deep’ electrical cover is fitted.
Option Slots Back of the control module
Fig 3: The MFU and its location behind the control module in an IQ3
With the IQ3 actuators, the remote inputs are always present (they are conditioned by the control
board) and there is an option to include Digital Outputs from relay contacts. If the MFU is required to
operate the 4 digital outputs that can be controlled from the card, then an Extra Relay Indication card
associated with these outputs must be fitted into another option slot in the actuator.
The MFU is connected to the control module by a 10 way header (SK2). The wiring harness from the
actuator terminal bung connects the Modbus RS-485 field connections to SK3.
3.2 Replacing or Fitting a Modbus Module Option Card
The MFU should be replaced or fitted only in a suitable environment. The actuator must be made
electrically safe before opening any covers. The electrical housing cover should be removed after
unscrewing the four 6mm Allen machine screws. Unplug the electrical housing loom from the control
board and remove the cover. Unplug the grey ribbon cable from the edge of the control board and
unplug the black plastic carrier frame from the frame legs. Unplug the loom from the MFU card.
Unscrew the Torx 20 screws holding the MFU card into the frame and carefully unplug the MFU card
from the control board. The replacement board is fitted in the reverse order to removal. The wiring
harness connectors are polarised so that only the correct one will fit its mating part on the circuit
boards. Don’t forget to re-connect the grey ribbon cable to the edge of the control board.
If the operation is to fit an MFU for the first time, then the necessary wiring loom must be added to the
internal wiring harness of the actuator. The actuator wiring diagram shows the connectors and
harness used. The wiring harness is fitted inside the actuator before attempting to fit the MFU. This
requires that you remove the terminal bung, which is held in place by a large circlip. Be careful to
attach the wiring loom to the correct terminals, which are numbered. Re-fit the terminal bung.
Once the loom is in place, connect it to the MFU, then fit the MFU to the actuator main board
connector. Attach the MFU to the frame, using the Torx 20 screws.
Once the module is fitted, the actuator should be re-assembled.
Once power is applied, the field unit parameters should be checked and corrected, where necessary.
Modbus parameters can be set and adjusted either by using the Infra-red and Bluetooth setting tools
or by Insight 2 using Bluetooth. The parameter setting procedure is covered by the IQ3 Full
configuration, status and monitoring user manual, PUB002-040, available on the Rotork web site,
www.rotork.com
3.3 Inside an SI₃ actuator
The MFU is suitable for fitting into SI3 actuators. When factory-fitted, the network connections will be
as in the diagram below:
The internal layout of the actuator will be similar to that of the IQ3, when considering installation of the
MFU, as above.
3.4 Inside a CVA actuator
The single channel MFU is suitable for fitting into CVA actuators. When factory-fitted, the wiring
diagram will be CXX-40 (where X can be any value). This details the option card connections to the
terminal bung. The MFU module is fitted in the only option board slot inside the CVA electrical housing
- on the underside of the Main PCB assembly. The MFU should be replaced or fitted only in a suitable
environment.
Fig 4: The MFU located on the underside of the control PCB in a CVA actuator
To fit an MFU card, begin by removing power from the actuator and wait until the LED on the selector
knob stops illuminating. This may take several minutes if a reserve power pack of capacitors is fitted.
Remove the six M10 machine screws from the upper cover and lift it off carefully, while removing its
ribbon cable connector from the socket on the Main PCB.
Remove the various wiring looms from the sockets on the edges of the Main PCB, noting carefully
where they attach. Each connector is different to avoid error.
Remove the Main PCB in its plastic chassis by gently pushing the chassis legs inwards to release
them from a groove in the actuator housing.
Fit the MFU to the underside of the Main PCB using the hardware supplied with the MFU card.
The wiring loom from the actuator terminal bung connects the Modbus RS-485 field connections to
SK3. If a new card is being fitted as an upgrade, then the actuator will need to have the loom fitted.
Remove the terminal bung by removing the circlip and gently pulling the bung. Attach the loom and
replace the bung.
The MFU is connected to the control module by a header, SK2.
The MFU in the CVA must be enabled. This would usually be done during factory test, but may be
required to be completed on site for conversions to Modbus or if a replacement card is fitted. To
enable the card, the Rotork PDA software Enlight (downloadable from the Rotork web site) is required
to be used to change parameter 34. It must be read and then 2048decimal added to it.
This procedure is best performed by a Rotork Engineer.
3.5 Inside a CMA actuator
The MFU is suitable for fitting into CMA actuators, wiring diagrams MXX-MX (where X can be any
value) detail the option card connections on the terminal strip. The MFU module is fitted in the only
option board slot inside the CMA electrical housing.
Option location
Fig 5: The MFU located in a CMA actuator
Only the single channel Modbus option card can be fitted to this actuator family.
unscrewing the four 6mm Allen machine screws.
The MFU should be fitted in the position shown in the illustrations above. It plugs into the control board
at the 10-way header, which is SK2 on the MFU board. There is a wiring loom which brings the
RS-485 network connection to SK3 on the MFU. This loom comes from SK5 and SK6 of the Modbus
terminal board, which in turn is where the field network connections are made.
Connection details are shown in the illustrations on the next page.
The CMA actuator will need configuring, so that it is aware that control from the field is through the
MFU card. This is done by accessing the menu structure shown in figures 7, 8, and 9.
Configuration details may be found in the CMA Installation and Maintenance manual, PUB094-003,
found on the Rotork web site.
Fig 6: CMA menu structure for setting up the actuator: start at the BASIC setting
and select the ADVANC button.
Fig 7: CMA menu structure for setting up the actuator: from the ADVANC setting,
select the COMMS button.
Fig 8: CMA menu structure for setting up the actuator: from the COMMS setting,
select the Modbus button. From here, you can adjust the individual Modbus settings.
Fig 9: Connections to the MFU located in a CMA actuator
3.6 Inside a K-Range actuator
The MFU is suitable for fitting into K-Range actuators; wiring diagrams similar to 1612ZMD detail the
option card connections. The MFU module is fitted in the only option board slot inside the K-Range
electrical housing.
SK2 on the MFU card plugs directly onto SK9 on the Main card, while a terminal bung loom brings the
network Modbus signals to SK3 (shown on right hand side of photograph) on the MFU card.
Modbus Option Card
Main Card
Fig 10: The MFU located in a K-Range actuator
unscrewing the four 8mm Allen machine screws.
The MFU card is attached to the main card by three plastic pillars, with one metal pillar, Torx 20 screw
and a fibre washer; as shown in the photograph above.
If an actuator is having the MFU fitted for the first time, then the terminal bung loom must also be
fitted. The terminal numbers will be found in the appropriate wiring diagram, which should be included
in the fitting kit.
4 RS-485 DATA HIGHWAY, CONNECTIONS AND MFU SETUP
4.1 Data Highway
The MFU uses RS-485, 2-wire, half duplex, and Modbus RTU communications at various data rates.
The rules governing the installation and connection of an RS-485 highway should be observed at all
times to produce a successful installation. The RS-485 highway does not allow power to be
transferred and the MFU is powered from the actuator itself. The MFU can only report data when the
actuator or electronics module is powered up. (The actuator may have an auxiliary power supply
attached, so that actuator position can be reported even when the main actuator supply is removed).
PLC
T T
T = Terminator Screened cable throughout

Fig 11: Typical RS-485 Data Highway
The data highway must be terminated with a resistor of 120 ohms at each end. One of the terminators
must be an active termination. This requires a 5 volt DC power supply. The negative side of the supply
is attached to the data negative wire by a 560 ohms resistor. The positive side of the supply is
attached to the data positive wire by another 560 ohm resistor. Data positive is the wire which has a
positive voltage on it compared to the data negative wire when a logic 1 pulse is on the highway.
The highway itself can use tapped spur or stub connections to the actuators, but it is recommended to
keep any stub lengths to a minimum for successful operation. Alternatively, the connection can be
made in and out of each actuator in a daisy-chain arrangement. The length of the highway and
number of devices connected will vary from project to project. The Modbus standard permits up to 32
devices to be connected per segment, though one of these devices will be the PLC. If more devices
are needed, (up to the maximum addressable of 247) then RS-485 repeaters may be added after each
group of 32. The standard default address of the MFU is 247.
The length of the highway will determine the maximum speed for the data transmission. The greater
lengths are achieved at the lower transmission speeds.
Although RS-485 requires only 2 wires for data transmission, the Modbus standard also requires that
all the nodes on the network have a maximum common mode differential of -7 to +12 volts. This
requires the ground potential at all points to be within the -7 to +12 volt limit. If the equipment is
distributed over a wide area, or an area with poor ground conductivity, it may be necessary to connect
a third wire between all the nodes. Most successful installations use 3 wires and for this, Rotork
provides a ‘common’ terminal on the actuator. The common wire is shown in red above in figure 9.
With RS-485 the data passes over a single 2-wire cable, but the Modbus protocol is such that there
are periods between messages when no devices are actively driving the lines. In order to ensure that
data continues to flow correctly after these periods, it is advisable to ensure the lines are biased to
suitable voltage levels during the time the line is idle. This is usually achieved by biasing at the PLC,
which forms the active terminator. The MFU does not contain biasing components and therefore
requires biasing to be made externally. If the PLC does not do the biasing, then an active terminator
must be fitted to the network highway and it will provide the necessary biasing.
4.2 Highway Topology
Two different connection topologies can be used for RS-485. The first system is to use a trunk line
with various spur lines from it. This system will require the location of the taps in junction boxes near to
the actuators. With the second, the actuators can be directly connected to the trunk line in a daisy-
chain. All the configurations require the cumulative total of the stub lines to be kept within the
permitted maximum for the network speed to be used. A combination of both topologies may be used.
Topologies, such as ring and star are non-standard and should not be used with standard Modbus
hardware. However, a ring network can be achieved using the single channel with repeater hardware.
It is good practice to avoid spur lines wherever possible.
PLC
SPUR
T TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TT
TRUNK CABLE
PLC
T TT
TRUNK CABLE
Fig 12: RS-485 Data Highway Topology
The maximum trunk length, length of each spur and the cumulative total are dependent on the system
data rate in use. The table below suggests the maximum figures for copper cable. The segment length
is the total of the trunk and all the spurs added together.
Data Rate (Baud) Maximum Segment Length (m) Total Spur Length (m)
9,600 1,200 500
19,200 1,200 500
38,400 1000 300
57,600 750 200
115,200 500 100
Within each actuator there is a short drop line or stub connection wire from the terminals to the MFU
itself. This length must be included in any calculation for total and individual drop lengths. A more
robust network generally has cable length (metres) times data rate (bits per second) less than 10
million.
Actuator internal spur length as in the table below:
Actuator Type IQ3 SI3 CVA CMA K-Range

Internal Drop length (metres) 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.14 0.4
If greater distances are required for the network, then the actuators can be operated at lower baud
rates of 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400 or 4,800 baud. Alternatively, the distances can also be increased at the
higher data rates by using repeaters or fibre-optic links between the devices on the network.
4.3 Cable Types
The network must be connected using a suitable cable. Two conductors plus a shield and drain wire
are required as a minimum, though Rotork recommends the use of a 3 wire cable to ensure the
common mode voltage between all the actuators and the PLC is kept within the RS-485 specified
limits.
Among the cable manufacturers, Belden have the PVC jacketed 3105A single pair 2 core cable, which
meets the minimum requirement. Belden 3106A has an extra core and therefore has sufficient
conductors to include a common wire between all the nodes on the network and meets the Rotork
recommendation. Information on Belden cable may be found on the Belden web site
(www.belden.com) or at http://bwcecom.belden.com/, where a search on RS-485 will reveal technical
papers and cable information.
Data Pair Data Pair
Common
Screen Screen
Belden 3105A Belden 3106A
Total Nom
AWG (stranding) Nominal Nominal
Belden Part No. Number of Nom. DC Insulation material Impedance
dia. Inches O.D. Capacitance
Conductors Resistance (ohms)
3105A
22 AWG Overall PVC jacket
Paired - EIA Industrial 2 (7 x 30) 48.2 ohm/km Datalene insulated 7.26 mm 120 36.1 nF/km
RS-485 PLTC/CM twisted pair
3106A
22 AWG Overall PVC jacket
Composite - EIA (7 x 30) 48.2 ohm/km Datalene insulated 7.67 mm
3 120 36.1 nF/km
Industrial RS-485
twisted pair
PLTC/CM
Fig 13: Typical RS-485 cable
Other cable manufacturers also produce suitable cables for Modbus networks. The quality of the
Modbus network will largely depend on the cabling choices made during planning; and quality of
installation. Cables for European installations must comply with the Construction Products Regulation.
The terminals to which the wires connect in each actuator type will be different and the actuator wiring
diagram must be consulted to establish the connections.
4.4 Termination Network
In order to operate correctly, all RS-485 highways must be terminated at each end of the main trunk
line using a suitable resistor (120 ohms nominal, half Watt rating). These will usually be near the
scanner PLC and near the last actuator. The resistors are connected between data line A and data
line B. If the termination resistors are not fitted there is a possibility that the network communications
will be unsatisfactory due to signal reflections.
One of the terminations must be active, using biasing resistors. These resistors put a known voltage
across the data highway, so that there is a fixed state when none of the devices on the highway is
transmitting. Without the active termination, there may be some communications errors.
The value of the biasing resistors must be between 450 Ω and 650 Ω.
Active Terminator
+5V
Biasing Resistor 560 Ω
Data + or A
Termination Resistor 120 Ω
Data – or B
Biasing Resistor 560 Ω
0V
Fig 14: Active Termination for RS-485 highway. Biasing resistor values are typical.
The MFU has an internal termination resistor which does not require any external wiring to be included
(unlike the previous version of Modbus field unit). The termination resistor, or resistors for a dual
channel, can be electronically switched on through the setting menu within the IQ3.
Termination may also be switched on and off in all actuator types where the MFU is fitted, through the
network, by writing to register 25 and setting it to 1 for ON and to 0 for OFF. Switching termination on
in a dual card will result in both channels being terminated.
Termination is passive (with no biasing resistors) on the single and dual channel MFU cards. The
biasing resistors are fitted to the single channel-and-repeater MFU card, so that the termination is
active when enabled.
When power is removed from the actuator, the termination network(s) is no longer connected
across the data highway. For this reason, we suggest a separate external active terminator is
used on the highway at one end or the other of the main trunk line.
Note: When using the single highway with internal repeater the termination should always be
fitted (or selected) on both sides of the repeater, since it will be the beginning and the
end of a highway segment. Each terminator on the repeater is biased on the card.
4.5 Inter-connecting the Highway and Setting up the MFU
The three MFU variations (Single, Dual and Single Repeater) allow for various different highway
connections. The ‘single channel version’ can be used for simple highways. The ‘dual channel version’
is used for redundant highway applications, where the highway integrity is important and the ‘single-
highway-with-repeater version’ can be used for applications where distances are extended beyond the
values listed on page 20 or where a ring type topology is desired.
4.5.1 Single Highway
With the single channel option the actuator is connected to only one highway. The connection of the
actuator to the highway uses terminals 1A and 1B. The terminal numbers depend on the actuator type
and are indicated on the actuator wiring diagram. Take care to ensure that the correct polarity is
observed on the data highway connection.
 Data line 1A is positive with respect to data line 1B when the MFU is transmitting a ‘1’.
There are no links or settings required on the MFU card when this version is being used.
4.5.2 Dual Highway
The actuator can be connected to two highways when redundant communication links are required.
The connection of the actuator to the highways uses terminals 1A and 1B for highway 1 and 2A and
2B for highway 2. The terminal numbers depend on the actuator type and are indicated on the
actuator wiring diagram. The last actuator on the highway should have the termination resistors
switched on. Take care to ensure that the correct polarity is observed on each data highway
 Each data line A is positive with respect to data line B when the MFU is transmitting a ‘1’.
The dual channel MFU uses a separate Modbus address for each channel, so it is possible to use the
same address or different address on each channel. It is possible to communicate with both channels
at the same time.
4.5.3 Single Highway with Internal Repeater
With this option a single highway passes through the Modbus Module and an internal repeater
regenerates the data signals. The input to output connection is also isolated and this then allows the
next section of cable to reach the maximum specified distance and the number of connected devices
on the section to be 32. Biasing and termination resistors will be required at all repeater connection
points.
Each repeater has a small propagation delay (micro seconds), this should be taken in to consideration
in systems design when using multiple repeaters – for example when creating a ring network.
 Data line 1A is positive with respect to data line 1B when the MFU is transmitting a ‘1’.
The internal repeater supports data speeds from 300 to 115,200 baud.
The repeater operates in both directions such that communications that appear on channel 1 will be
repeated onto channel 2, and communications that appear on channel 2 will appear on channel 1. If
the message is addressed to a device, the message will both be repeated and processed by the
Modbus Module. The reply will appear, only, on the channel side where the message came in, i.e. a
message received on channel 1 will be repeated over to channel 2 and once the message is
processed the reply will appear only at channel 1. This is to avoid issues in a ring network that may
be caused by the same message being received at both ends of the ring.
Modbus Ring, using Rotork K-Range and HIMax controller
A out B out
Channel 1
Channel 2
Each actuator is fitted with a
Modbus Repeater card
Channel 2
Channel 1
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 2
Channel 1
Channel 1 Channel 2
Here is a typical Modbus ring configuration. The PLC normally communicates with all the actuators on
the A out channel. If there is a break or short-circuit in the cable between any of the actuators, the B
out channel will communicate with the actuators beyond the damaged cable.
Input and Output Signals
5 THE ACTUATOR INPUT AND OUTPUT SIGNALS
The MFU allows the actuator to be controlled by, and to report data to, a suitable host device using
Modbus RTU protocol. This section explains the data signals that are available for exchange and their
meaning in relation to the actuator functionality. The data locations used for the Modbus registers and
coils are given later in this manual.
This section also gives information on the other control inputs available for moving the actuator.
PLC Actuator
Outputs - Commands
Inputs - Feedback
RS-485 data highway
Fig 15: Input and Output Data Direction
 Inputs are defined as signals originating at the actuator and fed back to the PLC over the
RS-485 network, i.e. Inputs to the PLC.
 Outputs are defined as signals originating at the PLC and operating the actuator
controls, i.e. Outputs from the PLC.
5.1 Control Outputs
The MFU can be used to control the actuator to position the valve. The valve may be moved fully
closed, fully open or to an intermediate position. Additionally, the actuator can make the valve adopt
an Emergency Shut Down position or perform a partial stroke test. The actuator may also be operated
from its local controls, by hard wired direct contact inputs, or by the handwheel, where fitted. In the
case of hard wired control, the Auxiliary Input Mask and control source must be correctly set.
A description of the Auxiliary Input Mask and how to set it correctly is given in the IQ3 full
configuration, status and monitoring user manual, PUB002-040, available on the Rotork web site,
www.rotork.com
See also Section 8.1.5 for a similar explanation.
As well as controlling the actuator, the MFU can also be used to operate 4 discrete output relays when
the Digital Input / Output card also fitted within the actuator.
The control commands have three potential sources:
 Modbus RS-485 network generated commands

 Actuator Local Controls
 Direct contact input controls
The full list of commands is shown in the next table.
Command IQ3 SI₃ CVA CMA K-Range

Modbus over the network
Open ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Close ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Stop ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Emergency Shut Down ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Relay output DO-1 ✓ ✓   
Analogue Position Demand ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Partial Stroke Test ✓ ✓   
Local Controls
Open ✓ ✓   ✓
Close ✓ ✓   ✓
Stop ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓
Direct Hard Wired Inputs

Open ✓ ✓   ✓
Close ✓ ✓   ✓
Stop/Maintain ✓ ✓   ✓
Emergency Shut Down ✓ ✓   ✓
Open Interlock (active prevents opening) ✓    ✓
Close Interlock (active prevents closing) ✓    ✓
Note:  – Requires Digital Input / Output card or Extra Relay card to be fitted
 – Requires a DSM or MSM with the optional potentiometer.
The Modbus network commands for Open, Close and Stop will operate the actuator provided:-
• Local/Local Stop/Remote selector is in ‘Remote’,
• Modbus commands are not inhibited by the ‘Inhibit/DI-4’ input parameter setting and DI-4
condition,
• No interlock is active,
• There is no standing hard wired control input active, except for Stop/Maintain,
• No alarm condition prevents it from moving,
• The Hand/Auto lever is not locked in Hand. If locked in Hand, this will cause a Valve
Jammed or Valve Obstructed alarm.
 Open A digital command to cause the actuator to open to the fully open
position, as indicated by the Open limit switch. Under correct
operation, without either stalling or jamming, the actuator stops either
when the open limit switch is reached, when the torque exceeds the
value set and the open limit switch has been reached, or a new
command is sent over the network. An alarm condition arising during
travel will also cause an unexpected stop of actuator movement.
 Close A digital command to cause the actuator to close to the fully closed
position as indicated by the Close limit switch. Under correct operation
the actuator stops either when the close limit switch is reached, when
the torque exceeds the value set and the close limit switch has been
reached, or a new command is sent over the network. Similarly, an
alarm condition arising during travel will cause an unexpected stop of
actuator movement.
Note: Many multi-turn actuators are set to open until the open limit switch is reached and
close until the torque switch trips. This is appropriate for wedge gate and globe valves.
The actuators can be set to open or close on limit or on torque.
 Stop With no other command present this digital command causes an

actuator motor that is running, to stop.
 Emergency Shut Down (ESD) A digital command that causes the actuator to
drive to its Emergency position. There are settings within the actuator
to configure this to be a close, open or stay-put action. It may also be
switched off.
The ESD command can be configured to override Thermostat trip,

Interlocks and Local Stop. ! Danger: Actuator hazardous area
certification is invalidated while the thermostats are bypassed.
 Relay Output DO-1 to DO-4 These 4 commands are used to energise and de-
energise the internal relays on the additional relay board. (These
outputs are referred to as S5-S8 in the standard actuator
documentation when there is no MFU in the actuator.) The resulting
outputs can be used for operating other external equipment such as a
pump or indication light. The IQ3 actuator is not able to control these
relays directly from the main board when the MFU is fitted. They will
maintain their last state if power is removed from the actuator. On
restoration of power the relays will be reset to their de-energised
condition and the coils will report ‘0’.
 Analogue Position Demand The source of this function is only over the Modbus
RS-485 network. (Where multiple network cards or Folomatic is fitted,
then this could be another source of positioning control). To initiate
Analogue Position Control a value must be written to the Position DV
register (range 0-100.0%, resolution 0.1%). The valve will open to the
appropriate amount and stop in that position (within the deadband
setting). It then drops out of the positioning mode. If a subsequent
digital command to open or close the valve is issued, from any source
during the travel to the set point, this will take priority over the
analogue position command. Once the setpoint is reached the
positioning controller is switched off. A new write to the Position DV
register will initiate positioning mode once more, provided the desired
value is beyond the deadband setting. The register location is listed
later in this manual.
Provided limited range positioning is not invoked, the values 0% and
100% written to this register produce a special case output where the
command is revised so as to fully close the valve to its tight shut off
position (0%) and fully open the valve (100%). This is useful for the
valve types mentioned in the note on the previous page.
 Hard Wired Open The hard wired Open input will cause the actuator to run
to the open limit if there are no alarm conditions or local controls
active and the Auxiliary Input Mask is set to an appropriate value. The
input can be either high or low, depending on the value of the Mask
setting.
 Hard Wired Close The hard wired Close input will cause the actuator to run
to the closed limit if there are no alarm conditions or local controls
active and the Auxiliary Input Mask is set to an appropriate value. The
input can be either high or low, depending on the value of the Mask
setting.
 Hard Wired Stop The hard wired Stop input acts as a change of state
input. If the actuator is moving, opening the Stop input will stop the
actuator. If the Stop input is already open and a Modbus command is
sent to the actuator, the Modbus command will be initiated. To stop
the actuator the hard wired input must be closed and opened again.
 Hard Wired ESD The hard wired ESD input will cause the actuator to move
to its Emergency Shut Down position, which may be to stay put, go
open or go closed. The ESD may also be switched off.
The ESD command can be configured to override Thermostat trip,

Interlocks and Local Stop. ! Danger: Actuator hazardous area
certification is invalidated while the thermostats are bypassed.
 Hard Wired Open Interlock This is one of a pair of interlocks; see below. When
enabled, the actuator will only be able to move if the interlock has the
control input applied. Both open and close interlocks are enabled or
disabled at the same time. If interlocking is required in only one
direction, it will be necessary to fit a link between the terminals
associated with the other interlock. Refer to wiring diagram.
 Hard Wired Close Interlock This is one of a pair of interlocks; see above.
When enabled, the actuator will only be able to move if the interlock
has the control input applied. Both open and close interlocks are
enabled or disabled at the same time. If interlocking is required in only
one direction, it will be necessary to fit a link between the terminals
associated with the other interlock. Refer to wiring diagram.
 Partial Stroke Test If a network command to perform a partial stroke test is

sent to an IQ3 actuator, it will carry out the test sequence provided the
actuator has been set up to perform partial stroke testing. The
actuator must be set to Remote and be at the correct end limit set for
partial stroking. The actuator will also carry out a partial stroke test if a
signal is applied to the open interlock input, if the Interlock
configuration has been set to Partial Stroke. In both cases, partial
stroke data will be reported over Modbus.
5.1.1 Controls Priority
Since there are three potential sources for control inputs, the actuator and Modbus Module assign a
priority for those occasions when two or more commands are applied simultaneously.
In addition, the remote control hard wired inputs can be used as discrete input signals, to report the
status of other devices or as control inputs. The associated Auxiliary Input Mask parameter must be
set to select the required function. In the case of the hard wired input for ESD this can be configured
either as an ESD/DI-4 signal or as a ‘Modbus Command Inhibit’ to prevent network control signals
from moving the actuator.
High Priority  Low Priority

Local Stop Local Close Hard Wired Close Modbus Close
Local OpenHard Wired Open Modbus Open
Hard Wired ESD Hard Wired Stop Modbus Stop
Modbus ESD Modbus Position
Modbus Partial Stroke
 Mechanically interlocked to prevent both at the same time.
 The IQ3 can be set so that Local Stop has a higher priority than ESD.
 Only one Modbus command is possible at a time.
 If a Modbus command is applied while Hard Wired Stop is present, stop is cancelled.
Fig 16: IQ3 Control Priorities
5.1.2 Modbus Control using Individual Coil commands
The open, close, stop, ESD and DO-1 to DO-4 controls can be written using function code 05 or 15 to
write to single or multiple coils. Writing the value FF00 turns a coil on and 0000 turns it off. The MFU
provides a degree of intelligence in operating the coils for the open, close, stop and ESD functions.
When one coil is turned on, all the others are turned off, so only one can be on at a time. The actuator
will obey the last command it receives, so if two writes using function code 05 follow each other closely
the later one will win.
A multiple coil write by function code 15 to turn on more than one of the open, close, stop and ESD
coils in the same command is not permitted. If an attempt to energise more than one of these coils in
one command is made, an exception response is generated and the multiple write is ignored.
With the open and close coils, these will turn off once the actuator completes the command, a new
command is sent, the actuator is placed in local or some other interruption occurs. For example, the
close coil will de-energise once the actuator reaches the close position and stops. The stop and ESD
coils remain latched once turned on and are cleared by another command or writing 0 to the coil.
The ESD action works slightly differently in that even if the coil is reset to 0, the action remains latched
in the actuator. This is because a network ESD command overrides the actuator local controls. In
order to remove the ESD action it is necessary to write a new command and if the actuator has local
selected then the only command that will clear the latch is a write to the stop coil.
In the case of the DO-1 to DO-4 relays, they will follow the command, energising when turned on and
de-energising when turned off. These relays also maintain their status if the actuator power is
removed and reset to the de-energised state only when the power is restored.
5.1.3 Modbus Control using the ACTCON Register
A single register is provided to allow the digital control of the actuator. Writing a value to the register
with function code 06 or 16 causes the actuator to open, close, stop, ESD or partial stroke test and at
the same time cancels any other command set. This method of control removes the need to reset
commands written with a code 05 coil write with a second write to the same location. The number
written changes any coil states already set to the new value. Values of 5 to 255 cause no actions.
ACTCON Register (Register 5)

Value Stop Close Open ESD Partial Stroke
0 ✓    
1  ✓   
2   ✓  
3    ✓ 
4     ✓
5.1.4 Modbus Control using the Actuator Position DV register
The analogue position control function will take priority over an earlier coil or ACTCON register
command to open, stop, close, ESD or partial stroke test the actuator when a value is written to the
Actuator Position DV register. The controller will then position the actuator to the desired value.
The analogue position control function is cancelled either by the actuator achieving the desired
position or a coil or ACTCON register write to one of the open, stop, close, ESD coils.
Note that when limited range positioning is used and the actuator is in the fully closed position a DV
value of 0%, or when the actuator is in the fully open position a DV value of 100%, are not acted upon.
5.1.5 The IQ3 ‘S’ contacts (Modbus DOs).
The IQ3 actuator has four ‘S’ contact outputs that may be configured to report the status of the
actuator with signals such as Open Limit, Closed Limit etc. These are identified as S1 to S4.
In addition, an optional extra relay board can be fitted with four more relays. The status of these relays
is then adjusted by Modbus commands on outputs DO-1 to DO-4. Note that these relays are latching
and, if energised, will not change state when the actuator power is removed. On restoration of power
the relays will be reset to their de-energised condition and the coils will report ‘0’.
5.1.6 IQ3 Modbus Network Control Disable feature
It is possible to set the IQ3 ESD/DI-4 input so that the actuator ignores open, stop, close, ESD, partial
stroke test and position control signals sent over the Modbus network. If the ESD DI-4 / Net Disable
parameter is set to Active, then when the ESD input connection is made (i.e. 24 volts applied to ESD),
Modbus control is not allowed. This feature is independent of the Auxiliary Input Mask setting. When
the ESD DI-4 / Net Disable parameter is set to active, no ESD will be available.
5.2 Actuator Digital Input Status Feedback

The Modbus Module can report over the network a comprehensive data set relating to the status of
the valve and actuator, as indicated in the table below. The conventional contact indications are also
available from the actuator limit switches and indication contacts.
Status Feedback IQ3 SI₃ CVA CMA K-Range

Actuator Moving ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Close Limit ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Open Limit ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Running Closed ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Running Open ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Remote selected ✓ ✓ RUN ✓ ✓
Local Stop selected ✓ ✓ STOP ✓ ✓
Local selected ✓ ✓ ① ✓ ✓
Thermostat Tripped ✓ ✓ ④ ✓ ✓
Monitor Relay ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Valve Obstructed ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Valve Jammed ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Valve Moving by Hand ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓
Moving Inhibited ✓ ✓   ✓
Position Control Enabled ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓
Watchdog Recovery ✓ ✓   
Battery Low ✓  ②  
Open Interlock input ✓    ✓
Close Interlock input ✓    ✓
DI –1 ✓ ✓   ✓
DI –2 ✓ ✓ ③  ✓
DI –3 ✓ ✓   ✓
DI –4 ✓ ✓   ✓
Note ① Manual control using Enlight. Note ② UPS Fault.

Note ③ UPS in Use. Note ④ Thermostat is tripped when CVA is set to hand
operation.
5.2.1 Digital Inputs from the Actuator
 Actuator Moving Whenever the actuator position is changing due to the motor running
or if the output drive is moving, this bit will be set true (1).
 Close Limit This data bit indicates that the actuator has reached the closed
position. The limit switch should be set slightly within the actual valve
stroke to allow for torque seating or overshoot on closing without
damaging the valve. The data bit will remain true (1) even if the
position is passed through or exceeded.
 Open Limit This data bit indicates that the actuator has reached the open position.
The limit switch should be set slightly within the actual valve stroke to
allow for torque seating or overshoot on opening without damaging
the valve. The data bit will remain true (1) even if the position is
passed through or exceeded.
 Running Closed This bit is true (1) whenever the actuator motor contactor used to drive
the actuator in the closing direction is energised.
 Running Open This bit is true (1) whenever the actuator motor contactor used to drive
the actuator in the opening direction is energised.
 Remote Selected This bit is true (1) when the actuator three position
Remote/Local Stop/Local selector is in the Remote position. The
selector must be in this position for Modbus control of the actuator to
be permitted.
 Local Stop The actuator three position selector passes from Local to Remote or
Remote to Local through the Local Stop position. The switch can also
be placed in Local Stop. When the switch is in the Local Stop position
this bit will be true (1). Remote control of the actuator is not possible
when the selector is in this position.
 Local Selected This bit is true (1) when the actuator three position Remote/Local
Stop/Local selector is in the Local position. Remote control of the
actuator is not possible when the selector is in this position.
 Thermostat If the temperature of the motor windings rises above the thermostat
trip value, the thermostat contact will open and this signal will be
present (1). There are no adjustments for the temperature at which
the thermostat trip operates. The motor will be stopped if the
thermostat trips. Only once the motor has cooled down and the
thermostat has reset itself can a new Remote, Network or Local
command to move the actuator be carried out. A setting on the
actuator main board allows the ESD command to override the
thermostat. The bit will remain set at logic 1 until the motor cools down
and the thermostat resets itself.
 Monitor Relay This signal is true (1) when actuator remote control is not available.
The actuator Monitor Relay status is a composite signal for several
alarms. This signal will be set true if the actuator selector is in Local or
Local Stop (not in Remote) or if the thermostat trips. The mains supply
is also monitored and if one of the three phases is lost, this bit is set. If
the actuator is operated from a single phase supply and this is lost,
then communications with the actuator will also be lost. Where a 3
phase supply is used, if the phase associated with the control circuits
is lost then communications with the actuator will be lost.
 Valve Obstructed This bit will be true (1) if the actuator stops in mid travel when
not expected to do so after receiving a command to move. If the
actuator torque exceeds the trip value set during commissioning, then
the motor will stop and motion will cease. The reason for the actuator
stopping will be the high torque due to an obstruction and not to a
‘Stop’ signal or reaching the desired setpoint position.
The bit will remain true (1) until the actuator position changes by 2%
or more.
Note: Attempting to restart the actuator to move towards the obstruction (even if the
obstruction no longer exists) is not possible, as the actuator will not restart. The actuator
must be electrically reversed away from the obstruction before attempting to continue in
the original direction.
 Valve Jammed This bit will be true (1) if the actuator is stationary at the end of travel
and fails to move away from the seat of the valve when a network
command requests it to do so. The actuator will trip on excessive
torque due to the valve being jammed in the seat. The MFU fails to
see movement and reports this status after the time set in the
associated parameter during the MFU set up.
The bit will remain true (1) until the actuator position changes by 2%
or more.
Note: Attempting to restart the actuator to move out of the seated position is not possible. The
actuator must be reversed before it will run in the same direction again. The jammed
seat must first be released manually before electrical control is attempted. The problem
may be overcome by adjusting the actuator torque setting, which is designed to provide
extra power on leaving the seated position.
 Valve Moving by Hand The manual movement of the valve is reported as true (1)
if the actuator is moved by the handwheel away from the last position.
The percentage of travel required to trip the indication is set in the
associated parameter (Register 17) during MFU set up.
The bit will remain true (1) until the handwheel is again stationary.
 Moving Inhibited This bit will be true (1) when the Motion Inhibit Timer is active or
the Interrupter Timer is active, or both are active.
The Motion Inhibit Timer is used in position control to prevent the
actuator from exceeding its prescribed number of starts per hour, or to
reduce the effects of hunting during closed-loop control.
The Interrupter Timer can be used over part or the entire actuator
stroke to slow down the effective speed of valve travel.
When under network control, the control signal does not need to be
re-applied when this bit is true, as the control action will continue once
the time has elapsed.
 Position Control Enabled This bit will be true (1) when a Position command is
being actioned. This data can be used to indicate that positioning
mode has control of the actuator.
 Watchdog Recovery The MFU watchdog automatically resets the processor if

it is tripped. This bit will be true (1) following a watchdog trip for the
time period set in the associated watchdog timeout parameter
(Register 18).
 Battery Low The status of the internal battery is monitored and should it fall below
a critical level this signal will become true (1). The battery is used to
power the circuits used to keep track of the valve position when the
actuator mains power is lost. This battery is used only when the
actuator has no power feed and the valve is actually moved.
 Open Interlock The input contact to the Open Interlock is monitored by the MFU.
Whenever the input contact is closed this bit will be true (1). If the
actuator is not using the interlock function, then this input can be used
as a digital status feedback for a plant signal not associated with the
actuator. If the interlock circuit is being used, then this bit will indicate
the existence of an interlocking input that can prevent the actuator
from opening.
 Close Interlock The input contact to the Close Interlock is monitored by the MFU.
Whenever the input contact is closed this bit will be true (1). If the
actuator is not using the interlock function, then this input can be used
as a digital status feedback for a plant signal not associated with the
actuator. If the interlock circuit is being used, then this bit will indicate
the existence of an interlocking input that can prevent the actuator
from closing.
 Digital Input DI-1 This bit reports the status of the contact connected to the actuator
hard wired Open terminals. The input can be used to control the
actuator or simply to report the status of a plant feedback signal. The
function is set in the Auxiliary Input Mask parameter which determines
whether the bit is reported as true (1) for a closed contact or an open
contact and whether the input controls the actuator or not. Note that
the input is always reported, even when it is also controlling the
actuator.
hard wired Close terminals. The input can be used to control the
actuator.
hard wired Stop/Maintain terminals. The input can be used to control
the actuator or simply to report the status of a plant feedback signal.
The function is set in the Auxiliary Input Mask parameter which
determines whether the bit is reported as true (1) for a closed contact
or an open contact and whether the input controls the actuator or not.
Note that the input is always reported, even when it is also controlling
the actuator.
hard wired ESD terminals. The input can be used to control the
actuator.
A configuration feature also allows DI-4 to be set to act as a ‘Disable

Fieldbus Control’ input. In this mode, when the input is made
(irrespective of the Auxiliary Mask setting), the actuator cannot be
controlled over the network. This can be useful during plant
commissioning to prevent unwanted valve movement.
 Control Contention
This bit will be true (1) if there is more than one actuator control bit
active. For example, if more than one of coils 0, 1, 2, 3 or 8 have a
value of 1.
 Partial Stroke in Progress

When the actuator is performing a partial stroke this bit is true (1).
Once the action is complete the bit is reset (0). If the partial stroke is
interrupted by a new command then the bit will be reset.
 Partial Stroke Error In order to perform a partial stroke of the valve, the starting
position is specified as either the open limit or the close limit. If the
actuator is commanded to perform a partial stroke when it is not in the
correct starting position or when it is in a mid-position this error is
generated and the bit will be set (1).
There is a timer associated with Partial Stroke that is set during
parameterisation to a value long enough to cover a successful partial
stroke operation from end to mid position and back to the end. If the
actuator fails to complete the partial stroke within the time set then this
bit will be true (1).
Once set, the Part Stroke Error bit will be reset to 0 when the actuator
next completes a successful partial stroke test. (About 15 seconds
after the actuator stops moving).
 General Alarm General Alarm is any of the following: battery low/flat, valve
alarm, actuator alarm, control alarm, valve jammed/obstructed, or monitor relay.
5.3 Actuator Analogue Input Feedback
The Modbus Module makes available over the network a number of analogue variables. These
contain information about the valve and actuator.
Analogue Feedback IQ3 SI₃ CVA CMA K-Range

Actuator Instantaneous Torque ✓ ✓② ✓① ✓ 
Valve Position ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Note ①Torque on CVA. Thrust on CVL
Note ② Pressure
 Torque The currently developed torque value is reported as an Integer Value

in the range 0 to 120 (0-78 hex), representing the percentage of
actuator rated torque generated.
 Valve Position The current valve position is reported as an Integer Value in the range
0 to 1000 (0 – 3E8 hex) representing the percentage position to 0.1%
resolution.
The actuator automatically scales the valve position value reported
from the setting of the limit switches.
If Limited Range Positioning is invoked by setting the appropriate
parameters (8 & 9), then the reported valve position 0 to 100% follows
the limited range of valve travel.
5.4 IQ3 Data Logger Information
The Modbus Module also makes available some of the data logged information from registers in the
database. The data available is updated when the actuator reaches the end of travel and stops
moving, provided the actuator selector is in the ‘Remote’ position.
 Close Torque Set The actuator setting for the maximum generated torque value
permitted when the actuator is moving towards the closed position is
recorded in this register.
 Open Torque Set The actuator setting for the maximum generated torque value
permitted when the actuator is moving towards the open position is
recorded in this register.
 Torque at x% when opening There is a set of registers that each record the last value
for the torque generated when the actuator is moving from closed to
open and reaches a particular position (x%). The registers contain 11
values of torque generated in 10% position increments between 0%
and 100% of valve travel.
 Torque at x% when closing There is a set of registers that each record the last value
for the torque generated when the actuator is moving from open to
closed and reaches a particular position (x%). The registers contain
11 values of torque generated in 10% position increments between
100% and 0% of valve travel.
 Motor Starts – Closing Direction Two registers (one double register) contain the
total number of times the motor contactor to close the valve has been
operated. The first register contains the low order 16 bits. The counter
cannot be reset to zero.
 Motor Starts – Opening Direction Two registers (one double register) contain the
total number of times the motor contactor to open the valve has been
operated. The first register contains the low order 16 bits. The counter
cannot be reset to zero.
The rest of this page is intentionally blank.
Modbus Communication
6 MODBUS COMMUNICATION
6.1 Electrical Specification
Line Electrical Specification: RS-485, two wire, half duplex
6.2 Outer Protocol
Modbus Transmission Mode RTU (8 bit Binary data)

Supported Baud Rates 300, 600, 1k2, 2k4, 4k8, 9k6, 19k2, 38k4, 57k6, 115k2
Number of bits per character

Start bits 1
Data bits (LSB first) 8
Parity (configurable) Odd, Even, None
Stop bits (configurable) 1 or 2
Error checking CRC
Message turn round time/delay time

Minimum period between request and response:
Data Speed
300 600 1k2 2k4 4k8 9k6 19k2 38k4 57k6 115k2
(Baud)
Turn Round
188 100 60 40 28 24 20 20 20 20
Time (ms)
Repeater
3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5
Delay①(μs)
Inter-
Character
55.04 27.52 13.76 6.88 3.44 1.72 0.860 0.750 0.750 0.750
timeout
(t1.5)(ms)
Inter-frame
delay 128.3 64.16 32.08 16.04 8.02 4.01 2.00 1.750 1.750 1.750
(t3.5)(ms)
Note ①– In the Single Highway with Internal Repeater Modbus Module option there is a
propagation delay in the repeater.
Maximum period between request and response: 190 ms
6.3 Repeaters
A single segment supports up to 32 nodes, one of which is usually the PLC. The addition of repeaters
allows the segment to be extended in length or to increase the number of nodes connected to the
network, or both. The maximum lengths at different speeds are discussed in section 4.2. The number
of repeaters in a single highway should be kept to a minimum, as this can seriously extend the delay
between a message being sent and the response arriving at the PLC.
The Single highway with inbuilt Isolating Repeater version of the Modbus Module introduces
propagation delays as mentioned above. Care must be taken in any system design to allow for these
delays.
6.4 Dual Channel Mode
The dual channel version of the Modbus Module has two ports and allows two data highways to be
used for communication from the host system to the module. These highways operate independently
with a limit of 32 devices per segment and the ports on the module communicate with their associated
highway. There is some interaction between the ports since a single processor serves them and the
following points must be noted:
 The module only has one setting for the unit’s communication speed and format. Both the
comms ports share one set of common values for these parameters. The channels may
have the same address or may be different.
 When communication is active, every device on the highway reads all the data request or
command messages. Each unit then responds only to those messages aimed at its
address.
 Port 1 has priority over Port 2. Since every message is read, the host system must allow
an idle time on Port 1 to allow Port 2 time to read its messages completely.
 A minimum time gap equivalent to 11 bytes of data should be left between data requests
on both highways. This will ensure that the processor has sufficient time to respond to
messages directed at Port 2. Without this idle period messages directed at Port 2 may
not be acknowledged and a response may not be generated.
7 MODBUS DATABASE
The data in the Modbus Module may be collected using a number of different Modbus function codes.
Similarly the commands to the MFU can be either register or discrete based. This inbuilt flexibility is
designed to allow for any host device to be able to access the actuator over a Modbus network in the
simplest way.
This section provides information on the function codes supported and the data that may be collected
or commands issued using those codes.
In all cases, registers and discrete locations are numbered from 0 and do not include any
offsets.
7.1 Modbus RTU Message Frame

Message synchronisation is maintained by stimulation; the receiving MFU monitors the elapsed time
between receipt of characters. If 3 and one-half character times elapse without a new character or
frame completion, then the next byte received will be the start of a new message, beginning with the
address.
Modbus Function Register or Number of Data CRC

Address Code Discrete Registers or Field Check
Address Bits
8 bits 8 bits 16 bits 16 bits N bits 16 bits
Fig 17: Modbus transaction format
7.2 Modbus Address
The Modbus Module allows slave addresses in the range 1 to 247 to be used for devices. The
addresses above 247 are reserved for special functions. Address 0 is recognised by all the
slaves and is used for global Broadcast messages only. This leaves 247 addresses for use by
the connected Modbus Modules on the data highway.
Note that the dual highway unit can use a single address for both highway connections, or it can
use two different addresses.
 Single RS-485 highway

Address range supported = 0 to 247 (0 for broadcast)
 Dual Independent Isolated RS-485 highways

 Single RS-485 highway with inbuilt isolating repeater

7.3 Function Code Support
Details of the Request and Reply formats for messages can be found in the Modbus Application
Protocol Specification V1.1b3, found at http://www.modbus.org. The following table lists the function
codes supported by the Modbus Module.
Function
Modbus Name Addressing
Code
01 Read Output Coil Status Discrete
02 Read Input Status Discrete
03 Read Holding Registers Register
04 Read Input Registers Register
05 Force Single Coil Discrete
06 Preset Single Register Register
07 Read Exception Status
08 Loopback Diagnostic Test
15 Force Multiple Coils Discrete
16 Preset Multiple Registers Register
17 Report Slave ID
Exception Response
Meaning
Code
01 Illegal function code or incorrect message length
02 Illegal data address (Register or discrete address invalid)
03 Illegal data value
06 Busy
To read data the function code to use will depend on whether the data is to be read as single bits or as
16 bit registers. For example, code 01 reads data as discrete bits, whereas code 03 reads the data as
registers. In many cases Discrete and Register access reads the SAME data.
 Code 01 - Read Coils

This is used to read discrete (bit) data from the database to obtain
information about the status of the output coils (commands).
 Code 02 - Read Input Status Requests

This is used to read discrete (bit) data from the database to obtain
information about the actuator current status, such as open or closed
positions reached.
 Code 03 - Read Holding Register Requests

All the data in the MFU can be read using function code 03. Discrete
data is mapped into registers that are available for this command.
 Code 04 - Read Input Register Requests

Actuator position and torque registers, plus the status bits are
accessible with function code 04.
 Code 05 and 15 - Force Single Coil or Multiple Coils

The output coils are the discrete outputs from the actuator or its digital
control commands. Code 05 writes one coil per message while code
15 can write values to several at once.
 Code 06 and 16 - Preset Single Register or Multiple Registers

Registers are used for position control and also for digital control and
can be accessed singly, or in multiples, with these codes. Function
code 06 writes a single 16 bit register while function code 16 can write
several in one transaction.
 Code 07 - Read Exception Status

This is a specific short message function code which returns
predetermined discrete data from the MFU. The message is used to
allow fast transfer of a small data packet of 8 bits. A description of the
data is given in section 7.6.7.
 Code 08 - Loopback Diagnostic Test

The purpose of the Loopback Test is to test the communication
system between the Modbus Module and the host. This code can be
regularly sent and used as a heartbeat to test the communications
link. The MFU supports this test when used with diagnostic code 00,
Return Query Data, and 02, Return Diagnostic Register. No other
diagnostic test codes are supported. See section 7.6.8.
 Code 17 - Report Slave ID

This function code generates a response that contains the software
version of the MFU and actuator tag data. The tag data may be written
by the customer over the network. 12 ASCII characters can be written
in this area. See section 7.6.9.
 Exception Response Codes

Error code 01 will be presented back to the host if the function code in
the data message is not one of those supported by the Modbus
Module or the message length is not as expected.
Error code 02 will be presented back to the host if the Data Address is
not valid for the Modbus Module.
Error code 03 will be presented back to the host if the value to be

written in a coil or register write is not valid for the register or coil
location chosen in the MFU.
Error code 06 will be presented back to the host if the MFU is unable
to respond with a correct message because it is busy.
7.4 Broadcast Commands
Broadcast commands are only supported for specific registers, coils and commands.
 Stop and ESD Code 05 writes to coils 0 (Stop) and 3 (ESD) are supported for
address 0 broadcast.
Code 06 writes to register 5 (Actuator Digital Control) with values 0

(Stop) and 3 (ESD) are supported for address 0 broadcast.
7.5 Data Location Offsets
The locations given in the database are those which should appear in the messages as they are
transmitted on the Modbus link. Some host systems offset the addresses so far as the user is
concerned. In such cases, the address programmed into the host would be different to those listed. All
data locations listed start from 0. Please check the host system documentation carefully to determine
if any offsets are required.
Typical Offsets are:

Function Offset to be added to
Code formulae result
01 1
02 10001
03 40001
04 30001
05, 15 1
06, 16 40001
7.6 Data Locations
The data locations in the following tables are all numbered from 0. For a definition of the actuator
functions listed refer to section 5. For the DO-1 to DO-4 options, the extra relay output board must be
fitted. This can only be fitted in the IQ3.
Note: All data locations listed start from 0; it may be necessary to add an offset to match the
number required for the PLC.
7.6.1 Data Accessed with Function Code 01 - Read Coils
Location
R/W Data Range
(Bit)
0 R/W Stop command output coil status 0-1
1 R/W Close command output coil status 0-1
2 R/W Open command output coil status 0-1
3 R/W ESD command output coil status 0-1
4 R/W DO-1 output coil status (extra relay S5) ① 0-1

8 R/W Partial Stroke test 0-1
9 R/W DO-5 output coil status (extra relay S9) ② 0-1
Note: Coil ‘on’ when the state is true, reports as a ‘1’.
Note ① DIO1 (IQ3) or RIRO1 (CVA) or Extra Relay board 1 must be fitted
Note ② DIO2 (IQ3) or RIRO2 (CVA) or Extra Relay board 2 must be fitted
7.6.2 Data Accessed with Function Code 02 - Read Discrete Inputs
Location (Bit) R/W Data Range

0 RO Actuator moving 0-1
1 RO Closed position limit 0-1
2 RO Open position limit 0-1
3 RO Running closed 0-1
4 RO Running open 0-1
5 RO Remote selected 0-1
6 RO Local Stop selected 0-1
7 RO Local selected 0-1
8 RO Thermostat tripped 0-1

9 RO Monitor relay 0-1
10 RO Valve obstructed 0-1
11 RO Valve jammed 0-1
12 RO Valve moving by hand 0-1
13 RO Moving inhibited by MIT 0-1
14 RO Position control enabled 0-1
15 RO EEPROM Checksum failure 0-1
16 RO Battery low 0-1

17 RO Open interlock active 0-1
18 RO Close interlock active 0-1
19 RO DI-1 0-1
20 RO DI-2 0-1
21 RO DI-3 0-1
22 RO DI-4 0-1
23 RO Reserved
24 RO Reserved
25 RO Reserved
26 RO Control contention 0-1
27 RO Partial stroke test in progress 0-1
28 RO Partial stroke test error 0-1
29 RO General alarm. ① 0-1
Note: When the input is true the status reports as a ‘1’.
Note ① General alarm is any of the following: battery low/flat, valve alarm, actuator alarm, control
alarm, valve jammed/obstructed, or monitor relay.
7.6.3 Data Accessed with Function Code 03 - Read Holding Registers
The accessible registers that can be read with this function code also include the Input registers.
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
0 0 RO Actuator moving 0-1
0 1 RO Closed position limit 0-1
0 2 RO Open position limit 0-1
0 3 RO Running closed 0-1
0 4 RO Running open 0-1
0 5 RO Remote selected 0-1
0 6 RO Local Stop selected (offline) 0-1
0 7 RO Local selected 0-1
0 8 RO Thermostat tripped 0-1

0 9 RO Monitor relay 0-1
0 10 RO Valve obstructed 0-1
0 11 RO Valve jammed 0-1
0 12 RO Valve moving by hand 0-1
0 13 RO Moving inhibited by MIT 0-1
0 14 RO Position control enabled 0-1
0 15 RO EEPROM Checksum failure 0-1
1 0 RO Battery low 0-1

1 1 RO Open interlock active 0-1
1 2 RO Close interlock active 0-1
1 3 RO DI-1 0-1
1 4 RO DI-2 0-1
1 5 RO DI-3 0-1
1 6 RO DI-4 0-1
1 7 RO Reserved 0
1 8 RO Reserved 0
1 9 RO Reserved 0
1 10 RO Control contention 0-1
1 11 RO Partial stroke test in progress 0-1
1 12 RO Partial stroke test error 0-1
1 13 RO General alarm* 0-1
1 14 RO Reserved 0
1 15 RO Reserved 0
0 - 78 hex
2 - RO Actuator Instantaneous Torque
(0 - 120%)
0 - 3E8 hex
3 - RO Valve Position
(0.0 - 100.0%)
Analogue Input (IQ3 range set by Insight 2 0 - 3E8 hex
4 - RO
only. Analogue signal type: 5,10, 20 V or mA) (0.0 - 100.0%)
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
0-4
0 = stop
1 = close
5 - R/W Actuator Digital Control 2 = open
3 = ESD
4 = partial
stroke test
0 - 3E8 hex
6 - R/W Actuator Position DV (desired value)
(0.0 - 100.0%)
7-
- R/W Actuator Parameters see Section 8 -
25
26- 12 bytes
- R/W Actuator Tag name
31 ASCII char
(* General alarm is any of the following: battery low/flat, valve alarm, actuator alarm, control alarm,
valve jammed/obstructed, or monitor relay).
The following Data Logger information is also accessed by function code 03. Torque values are in the
range 0 – 120%. The registers are updated with new data a short period after the actuator stops
moving, provided the actuator selector is in Remote. The registers may not contain the updated
information for up to 2 minutes.
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
32 - RO Close Torque set 0-78 hex
33 - RO Open Torque set 0-78 hex
34 - RO Torque at 0% - open direction 0-78 hex
45 - RO Torque at 0% - close direction 0-78 hex
56 - RO Close Motor Starts low order 0-FFFF hex
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
57 - RO Close Motor Starts high order 0-FFFF hex
58 - RO Open Motor Starts low order 0-FFFF hex
59 - RO Open Motor Starts high order 0-FFFF hex
Note: For CVA, Registers 56 & 57 give contactor counts for open and close directions. Register 58 is
total distance travelled for CVA. Register 59 is not used.
7.6.4 Data Accessed with Function Code 04 - Read Input Registers
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
0 0 RO Actuator moving 0-1
0 1 RO Closed limit 0-1
0 2 RO Open limit 0-1
0 3 RO Running closed 0-1
0 4 RO Running open 0-1
0 5 RO Remote selected 0-1
0 6 RO Local Stop selected 0-1
0 7 RO Local selected 0-1
0 8 RO Thermostat tripped 0-1
0 9 RO Monitor relay 0-1
0 10 RO Valve obstructed 0-1
0 11 RO Valve jammed 0-1
0 12 RO Valve moving by hand 0-1
0 13 RO Moving inhibited 0-1
0 14 RO Position control enabled 0-1
0 15 RO EEPROM Checksum Failure 0-1
1 0 RO Battery low 0-1
1 1 RO Open interlock active 0-1
1 2 RO Close interlock active 0-1
1 3 RO DI-1 0-1
1 4 RO DI-2 0-1
1 5 RO DI-3 0-1
1 6 RO DI-4 0-1
1 7 RO Reserved 0-1
1 8 RO Reserved 0
1 9 RO Reserved 0
1 10 RO Control contention 0-1
1 11 RO Partial stroke test in progress 0-1
1 12 RO Partial stroke test failed 0-1
1 13 RO General alarm 0-1
1 14 RO Reserved 0
1 15 RO Reserved 0
2 - RO Actuator Instantaneous Torque 0 - 78 hex
(0 - 120%)
3 - RO Valve Position 0 - 3E8 hex
(0.0 - 100.0%)
4 - RO Analogue Input (IQ3 range set by Insight 2 0 - 3E8 hex
only. Analogue signal type: 5,10, 20 V or mA) (0.0 - 100.0%)
7.6.5 Data Accessed with Function Code 05 and 15 – Force Single and Multiple Coils
Location
R/W Data Range
(Bit)
0 R/W Stop command output coil status 0-FF00 hex
1 R/W Close command output coil status 0-FF00 hex
2 R/W Open command output coil status 0-FF00 hex
3 R/W ESD command output coil status 0-FF00 hex
4 R/W DO-1 output coil status (extra relay S5) 0-FF00 hex
8 R/W Partial stroke test 0-FF00 hex
Using code 05 write FF00 (hex) to turn on the command, DO-1 to DO-4 are turned off by writing ‘0’.
The other coil commands are cleared by various means as explained in section 5.1.2.
Using code 15 write 1 to turn on the command and 0 to turn off the command.
The commands to open, close, stop, ESD or partial stroke test the actuator are not cancelled by
writing a ‘0’, but this will de-energise the coils. The actuator latches the instruction and will complete
the action unless a subsequent counter command is received before the action is completed.
7.6.6 Data Accessed with Function Code 06 and 16 – Preset Single and Multiple Registers
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
5 - R/W Actuator Digital Control 0-4
0 = stop
1 = close
2 = open
3 = ESD
4 = partial
stroke test ①
6 - R/W Actuator Position DV (desired value) 0-3E8 hex

(0.0 – 100.0%)
Note ① Integer value, not bit location.
The Actuator Digital Control register allows one of the five commands to be selected by writing the
appropriate value.
Provided limited range positioning is not invoked, the Actuator Position DV register assigns a special
importance to the values 0% and 100% written to this register. The command is revised so as to fully
close the valve to its tight shut off position (0%) and to fully open the valve (100%).
7.6.7 Data Accessed with Function Code 07 – Read Exception Status
Code 07 reads a predefined data set with minimal overheads and is used for fast data transfer. A
single byte is returned.
Location
R/W Data Range
(Bit)
0 RO ESD coil status 0-1
1 RO Open coil status 0-1
2 RO Close coil status 0-1
3 RO Stop coil status 0-1
4 RO Closed position limit 0-1
5 RO Open position limit 0-1
6 RO Monitor relay 0-1
7 RO Reserved 0-1
7.6.8 Data Accessed with Function Code 08 – Loopback Diagnostic Test
The Loopback Test is used to test communications only. In a correctly working unit the return
message is the same as the query sent. Two codes are supported.
Code Data
00 Return query data
02 Return diagnostic register
The Diagnostic Register contains the following data.
Location
R/W Data Range
(Reg/Bit)
- 0 RO Memory Status Fault 0-1
- 1 RO Auxiliary control input active 0-1
- 2 RO Position controller enabled 0-1
- 3 RO Highway ESD active 0-1
7.6.9 Data Accessed with Function Code 17 – Report Slave ID
The Slave ID data response includes 30 registers, (60 bytes) of ASCII data to give the device name,
software version and service tag number.
Byte Data
1 - 23 ‘Null Null Rotork MODBUS MODULE.’
24 - 28 Software version: ‘xxx‘ (where xxx is the revision number)
29 - 60 Tag Name 12 bytes, plus 20 spaces (for IQ3)
Location Accessed by Modbus function code
K-
Data IQ3 SI3 CVA CMA (Register Function
Range 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 15 16
/Bit)
Stop √ √ √ √ √ Coil 0 Digital Output 01 05 07 15
Close √ √ √ √ √ Coil 1 Digital Output 01 05 07 15
Open √ √ √ √ √ Coil 2 Digital Output 01 05 07 15
ESD √ √ √ √ √ Coil 3 Digital Output 01 05 07 15
Output DO-1 (extra relay S5)① √ √ x √ x Coil 4 Digital Output 01 05 15
Partial Stroke √ √ √ x √ Coil 8 Digital Output 01 05 15
Output DO-5 (extra relay S9)② √ √ x x x Coil 9 Digital Output 01 05 15
7.7 Database Summary:

Actuator Moving √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 0 Digital Input 02 03 04
Close position limit √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 1 Digital Input 02 03 04 07
Open position limit √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 2 Digital Input 02 03 04 07
Valve running closed √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 3 Digital Input 02 03 04
Valve running open √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 4 Digital Input 02 03 04
Selector in Remote √ √ RUN √ √ 0/ 5 Digital Input 02 03 04
Selector in Local Stop √ √ STOP √ √ 0/ 6 Digital Input 02 03 04
Selector in Local √ √ ③ √ √ 0/ 7 Digital Input 02 03 04
Thermostat tripped √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 8 Digital Input 02 03 04
Monitor relay √ √ √ √ √ 0/ 9 Digital Input 02 03 04 07
Valve obstructed √ √ √ √ √ 0 / 10 Digital Input 02 03 04
Valve jammed √ √ √ √ √ 0 / 11 Digital Input 02 03 04
Manual movement √ √ √ x √ 0 / 12 Digital Input 02 03 04
MIT/Interrupter timer √ √ x x √ 0 / 13 Digital Input 02 03 04
Position control enabled √ √ x √ √ 0 / 14 Digital Input 02 03 04
Watchdog Recovery √ √ x x x 0 / 15 Digital Input 02 03 04
Battery Low √ x ④ x x 1/ 0 Digital Input 02 03 04
Open interlock input active √ x x x √ 1/ 1 Digital Input 02 03 04
Close Interlock input active √ x x x √ 1/ 2 Digital Input 02 03 04
Hard wired input DI-1 (open) √ √ x x √ 1/ 3 Digital Input 02 03 04
Hard wired input DI-2 (close) √ √ ⑤ x √ 1/ 4 Digital Input 02 03 04
Hard wired input DI-3 (stop) √ √ x x √ 1/ 5 Digital Input 02 03 04
Hard wired input DI-4 (ESD) √ √ x x √ 1/ 6 Digital Input 02 03 04
Reserved x x x x x 1/ 7 Digital Input
51 of 64
Location Accessed by Modbus function code
Data IQ3 SI3 CVA CMA K-Range (Register Function
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 15 16
52 of 64
/Bit)
Control contention √ √ √ √ √ 1 / 10 Digital input 02 03 04
Partial stroke test in progress √ √ x x x 1 / 11 Digital input 02 03 04
Partial stroke test error √ √ x x x 1 / 12 Digital input 02 03 04
General alarm √ √ √ √ √ 1 / 13 Digital input 02 03 04
Reserved x x x x x 1 /14 Digital input
Reserved x x x x x 1 / 15 Digital input
Instantaneous torque √ ⑥ ⑦ √ x 2/ - Input register 03 04
Valve position √ √ √ √ √ 3/ - Input register 03 04
Analogue input √ x √ √ √ 4/ - Input register 03 04
Actuator digital control √ √ √ √ √ 5/ - Output register 03 06 16
Position demand output √ √ √ √ √ 6/ - Output register 03 06 16
Action on loss of signal √ √ √ √ √ 7/ - Parameter register 03 06 16
Min position √ x √ √ √ 8/ - Parameter register 03 06 16
Max position √ x √ √ √ 9/ - Parameter register 03 06 16
Deadband √ x √ √ √ 10 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Motion Inhibit timer MIT √ x √ x √ 11 / - Parameter register 03 06 16

Auxiliary input mask √ √ √ √ √ 12 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Communications lost position √ √ √ √ √ 13 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Hysteresis √ x √ √ √ 14 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Slow mode range x x x x x 15 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Valve jammed time x x √ x √ 16 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Manual movement travel x x √ x √ 17 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Reserved x x x x x 18 / - Parameter register
ESD DI-4/Net disable √ x √ √ √ 19 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Analogue input max √ x √ √ √ 20 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Communications Fault timer √ √ √ √ √ 21 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Address √ √ √ √ √ 22 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Baud rate √ √ √ √ √ 23 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Parity, stop bits √ √ √ √ √ 24 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Termination on = 1, off = 0 √ √ √ √ √ 25 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Actuator tag number √ √ √ √ √ 26-31 / - Parameter register 03 06 16
Data logger data √ √ √ √ √ 32-59 / - Input register 03
Note ① DIO1 (IQ3) or RIRO1 (CMA) or Extra Relay board 1 must be fitted.
Note ② DIO2 (IQ3) or Extra Relay board 2 must be fitted.
Note ③ Manual control using Enlight. (See www.rotork.com).
Note ④ UPS Fault.
Note ⑤ UPS in Use.
Note ⑥ Pressure.
Note ⑦ Torque on CVA, Thrust on CVL.
7.8 Configuration Registers
In order to make the best use of the MFU, the module has a number of configurable parameter
registers that may be adjusted to optimise the performance of the actuator. All the parameter registers
have factory default settings designed to meet the most common requirements for the actuator. If
these are not suitable for a particular application, then the values can be changed by using a Modbus
communication tool.
The Modbus Module contains 20 configurable parameter registers and some can be altered by using
the infra-red or Bluetooth communications link and the setting tool. By using a Modbus communication
tool connected to the RS-485 highway all the registers may be reviewed and altered to suit the
particular application for the actuator.
Care must be exercised with access to these parameter registers as they can alter the complete
performance of the actuator.
This section of the manual describes each variable parameter register and should be used for
reference when using the configuration tools. All the registers can be read using function code 03
(Read Holding Registers). The contained values may be altered using function code 06 (Preset Single
Register) or function code 16 (Preset Multiple Registers).
 Actuator Related Network Configurable Parameter Registers
Default Location
Description Value/Range R/W Access
Value (Register)
Action on Loss of Comms 0 = Nothing (No Action) 0 = Nothing 7 03 06 16
1 = Open (0000 hex)
3 = Close
5 = Stop
7 = Position
Any other value = Off
Limited Range Position 0 – 100% 0% 8 03 06 16
Minimum 0000 – 0064 hex 0000
Limited Range Position 0 – 100% 100% 9 03 06 16
Maximum 0000 – 0064 hex 0064 hex
Deadband  0.0 – 25.5%  5.0% 10 03 06 16
0000 – 00FF hex 0032 hex
Motion Inhibit Time 0 – 255 sec 5 sec 11 03 06 16
0000 –00FF hex 0005 hex
Aux Input Mask 0 – 255 15 12 03 06 16
0000 – 00FF hex 000F hex
Comms Lost Position 0 – 100% 0% 13 03 06 16
0000 – 0064 hex 0000 hex
Hysteresis  0.0 – 25.5% 2.0% 14 03 06 16
0000 – 00FF hex 0014 hex
Slow Mode Range 0 – 100% 5% 15 03 06 16
0000 – 0064 hex 0005 hex
Valve Jammed Time 0 – 255 sec 5 sec 16 03 06 16
0000 – 00FF hex 0005 hex
Default Location
Value (Register)
Manual Movement Travel 0 – 100% 10% 17 03 06 16
0000 – 0064 hex 000A hex
Watchdog Timeout 0 – 255 sec 10 sec 18 03 06 16
0000 – 00FF hex 000A hex
ESD DI-4/Net Disable DI-4 is ESD = 0 ESD 19 03 06 16
DI-4 is Net Disable = 1 0000 hex
Analogue Input Max/Min 1–2 0 20 03 06 16
0001 – 0002 hex 0000 hex
Comms Fault Timer 0 – 255 sec 10 sec 21 03 06 16
0000 – 00FF hex 000A hex
Note:  - Setting the deadband lower than the hysteresis or the hysteresis greater than the
deadband causes the hysteresis to be set to 0.1%
 Modbus Network Related Network Configurable Parameter Registers
Default Location
Value (Register)
Modbus Address 1 – 247 247 22 03 06 16
0001 – 00F7 hex 00F7 hex
Baud Rate (baud) 0 = not used 9k6 23 03 06 16
1 = 300 6 = 9k6 (0006 hex)
2 = 600 7 = 19k2
3 = 1k2 8 = 38k4
4 = 2k4 9 = 57k6
5 = 4k8 10 = 115k2
0001 – 000A hex
Parity/Stop bits 0 = No parity, 1 stop bit None/1 24 03 06 16
1 = No parity, 2 stop bits stop
2 = Even, 1 stop bit (0000 hex)
3 = Even, 2 stop bits
4 = Odd, 1 stop bit
5 = Odd, 2 stop bits
Network Termination 0 = Off, 1 = On 0 25 03 06 16
(0000 hex)
Actuator Tag Name Any ASCII character (blank) 26 to 31 03 06 16

(12 characters max) all = 0000
7.9 Actuator Related Configurable Parameter Registers
These parameter registers set up the response the actuator will make to various control and network
actions.
7.9.1 Action on Loss of Comms (Register 7)
This register is used with register 13 (Comms Lost Position) and 21 (Comms Fault Timer).
The Action on Loss of Comms register defines the actuator action that will result after the time set for
the Comms Fault Timer (register 21) if there is no network communication activity detected by the
MFU.
The action may be

 Nothing (0) No action; the actuator will complete any command in process (default
setting)
 Open (1) The actuator will open the valve
 Close (3) The actuator will close the valve
 Stop (5) The actuator stops
 Position (7) The actuator will move the valve to the position set in the Comms Lost
Position (register 13).
7.9.2 Limited Range Position Minimum and Maximum (Registers 8 and 9)
These parameter registers are used to define the positions in the range of valve travel that will be
reported as 0 to 100% if it the whole travel from the closed position to the open position is not used. In
addition, the position demand setpoint output value will also be modified to follow this limited range.
It is possible to make the position data reported and the position controller relate to a reduced span of
actual valve travel. In this mode the position data relates to the reduced portion of the valve stroke.
This is sometimes used where the valve is required to have a 0% position (or 100% position) that is
not the same as the fully closed position (or fully open position). These parameters define the actual
limited range of valve travel that will be used for the position reporting and control by the positioner.
0% ----------------- Reported Position --------------------- 100%

Valve Stroke
CLOSED OPEN
 
Position Minimum Setting Position Maximum Setting
Fig 18: Limited Range Position Control and Reporting
Note that the digital open and close commands will still make the valve travel over its full stroke. The
special case analogue commands of 0% and 100% that would otherwise cause the actuator to travel
to the limit switch or torque off positions are inhibited if values other than 0 and 100 are set in these
parameters.
The values inserted relate to the maximum total valve travel between closed and open and represent
the point in the full stroke which will now be used for the limited stroke 0 and 100 values.
7.9.3 Deadband and Hysteresis (Registers 10 and 14)
When using position control by sending a value to the Actuator Position DV setpoint there are a
number of parameter registers used to tune the position controller and reduce the possibility of
damage to the actuator. These two registers are set to prevent hunting around the setpoint due to high
inertia of the valve. They will require adjustment for each specific application. In addition, the Motion
Inhibit Timer is used to ensure the actuator does not carry out an excessive number of starts in a
given period.
 Deadband The control used for the positioner is proportional only. The MFU will
run the actuator to the desired position and then it stops. As the
actuator and valve combination have some inertia there is a possibility
that the desired position may be overrun and the positioner will then
reverse the direction of travel to make the valve adopt the desired
position. This overshoot and return may continue for a number of
cycles and is known as hunting; the valve and actuator combination
will hunt around the setpoint if the inertia is high and the deadband is
set too low. To prevent this from happening there is a Deadband
setting whereby once the actuator enters the deadband the motor will
be stopped. For example a 5% deadband will cause the motor to be
stopped once the actual position is within 5% of the desired position.
The inertia will then bring the actual position nearer the desired
position.
The deadband is the allowable error around the setpoint. This

determines the minimum step change response of the actuator.
 Hysteresis In addition to the deadband a second setting, hysteresis, further

refines the performance of the position controller. The positioner will
run the actuator towards the setpoint DV until the actual position is
within the deadband minus the hysteresis setting. This has the effect
of instructing the actuator to stop when it is nearer the DV. The
actuator will not restart unless it overshoots and runs outside the
deadband or a new command places the new desired position outside
the deadband.
0% Setpoint DV = 50% 100%
Valve Stroke Position MV = 50%
CLOSED OPEN
 
Position Minimum Setting Position Maximum Setting
47% 48% 49% 50% 51% 52% 53%
. 
Hysteresis Hysteresis Hysteresis = 1%

Deadband Deadband Deadband = 3%
Fig 19: Deadband and Hysteresis settings

The Hysteresis is the amount of movement inside the deadband
permitted before the motor stops.
7.9.4 Motion Inhibit Timer (MIT) (Register 11)
The MIT setting is the period that must elapse between consecutive starts of the actuator motor when
in positioning mode. The time runs from when the motor stops until the next time it starts
The idle period will prevent the actuator motor from exceeding its rated number of starts per hour.
In addition, when tuning the valve positioner, the setting can be used to allow the plant dynamics to
stabilise between valve movements.
7.9.5 Auxiliary Input Mask (Register 12)
This parameter register allows the auxiliary inputs (open, stop, close, ESD) to be set to control the
actuator or simply to report their status. In addition, it allows the sense of the input (open or closed
contact) that is reported as true (1) to be set. Actuator control always requires a true (1) input signal.
The status of the inputs is always reported over the network and they can be used to report associated
plant inputs instead of controlling the actuator.
The register should be considered in its binary format using the low order byte. The number has the
binary form x7x6x5x4, y3y2y1y0, requiring 8 bits. Each bit in the high order nibble, x 7x6x5x4, either enables
or disables the associated input for control of the actuator. The bits in the low order nibble, y3y2y1y0,
determine if the input reports a closed contact as a '1' or an open contact as a '1'. Only when the input
is a '1', as set by the mask, and the contact state is normally open will the actuator respond to the
input if it is also set to control the actuator.
To allow an input to act as a control signal, its associated bit in the high order nibble must be set to a
'1' in the mask. To allow a closed contact to be reported as a '1' then its associated bit in the low order
nibble must be set to '1' in the mask.
Bit Position Value Function

0 Disable ESD input as command
7 X7
1 Enable ESD input as command
0 Disable Stop/Maintain input as command
6 X6
1 Enable Stop/Maintain input as command
0 Disable Close input as command
5 X5
1 Enable Close input as command
0 Disable Open input as command
4 X4
1 Enable Open input as command
0 Report closed contact on ESD input as ‘0’
3 Y3
1 Report closed contact on ESD input as ‘1’
0 Report closed contact on Stop/Maintain input as ‘0’
2 Y2
1 Report closed contact on Stop/Maintain input as ‘1’
0 Report closed contact on Close input as’0’
1 Y1
1 Report closed contact on Close input as ‘1’
0 Report closed contact on Open input as ‘0’
0 Y0
1 Report closed contact on Open input as ‘1’
The following examples show how the Auxiliary Input Mask settings can be applied.
Most Significant Bit Least Significant Bit

Bit 7 Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
X7 X6 X5 X4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0
Enable Enable Enable Enable
Invert Invert Invert Invert
DI-4 DI-3 DI-2 DI-1
DI-4 DI-3 DI-2 DI-1
ESD Stop Close Open
Example 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
Example 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Example 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
 Example 1 The default value of '15' (0000, 1111 binary or 0F hex) makes all 4
inputs report closed contacts as true (1) and none of the inputs will
operate the actuator.
 Example 2 The value 255 (1111,1111 binary or FF hex) makes all 4 inputs report
closed contacts as true (1) and all the inputs control the actuator in
their predefined way.
 Example 3 The value 0 (0000, 0000 binary or 00 hex) makes all 4 inputs report
open contacts as true (1) and none of the inputs will operate the
actuator.
7.9.6 Comms Lost Position (Register 13)
The setting in this parameter register determines the position in the range 0 to 100% that the actuator
will move to if the Modbus network communications stops being received, provided the Fault Mode
(Register 1) is set to 'Position'. No action will be taken unless the communications stops for a period
equal or greater than the setting in the Comms Fault Timer (Register 21).
7.9.7 ESD DI-4/Net Disable (Register 19)
In the IQ3 actuator this input determines the mode of operation for the ESD/DI-4 remote input. The
input can be used either to disable control of the actuator from the network, or to act as an ESD/digital
input. When this setting is made 'Active' the input will disable network control of the actuator when the
contact input is closed, irrespective of the Aux Mask setting.
7.9.8 Analogue Input Max/Min (Register 20)
This parameter register is used when the IQ3 actuator has a Modbus card and an Analogue Input card
fitted. To calibrate the Analogue card, its maximum input is applied and a value of 1 is written to
parameter 20. Then the minimum analogue input is applied and a value of 2 is written to parameter
20. Once this is done, the Analogue card will scale the input from 0 to 1000. The input range must be
set using Insight2, to select voltage or current.
7.9.9 Comms Fault Timer (Register 21)
Parameter register 21, the Comms Fault Timer setting, determines the number of seconds that
network communication must be absent before the setting for the Fault Mode will be carried out. The
values range from 0 to 65 seconds.
7.10 Modbus Network Related Configurable Parameter Registers
These parameter registers set up the MFU for network communications.
7.10.1 Modbus Address (Register 22)
The Modbus Address is the address on the network that the Modbus Module will respond to. The
address can be in the range 1 to 247, though 247 is generally not used as this is the default address
and may be used by any newly introduced device on the network.
With a dual channel unit both channels can use the same address or different addresses.
7.10.2 Baud Rate (Register 23)
Register 23 sets the communication baud rate. On a dual channel unit both channels operate at the
same baud rate.
7.10.3 Parity and Stop Bits (Register 24)
The parity and number of stop bits used in the communications is selected by altering the content of
this register. On a dual channel unit both channels operate using the same parity and stop bit setting.
7.10.4 Termination (Register 25)
This parameter register is used to switch the network termination on within the MFU. This should only
be done where the actuator is the last device on a network segment. See Section 4.4.
7.10.5 Actuator Tag Name (Register 26 to 31)
The MFU may be programmed to contain a 12 character tag name string in these registers. Each byte
contains one character.
The rest of this page is intentionally blank.
8 SETTING UP AND MAINTAINING THE MFU
In most applications the majority of the default settings in the Modbus Module will be suitable for the
operation of the valve and need not be altered. However, in every case it will be necessary to alter the
address since the default should never be used within a live system (the default value is 247).
8.1 Using a Network Configuration Tool
Any device capable of writing register values can be used to configure the Modbus Module. Changes
to the actuator related parameter registers and network related parameter registers become active
immediately they are altered.
The individual register values required may be different for each actuator and will depend on the
application and process being controlled as well as the actuator size, speed and other design features.
8.2 Setting up an IQ3 with the Setting Tool
The IQ3 actuator includes an infra-red and a Bluetooth communication port for setting the actuator
performance, limit switches and so on. This communication link can be used to set some, but not all,
of the MFU parameter registers. The registers should still be checked with a Modbus host device to
ensure optimum actuator and network compatibility.
The parameters that may be set by using the Setting Tool and the infra-red or Bluetooth link are listed
below. The available range for the deadband setting when using the setting tool is less than the range
found using the configuration tools.
Parameters may only be altered if the actuator control knob is set to the Local or Local Stop position.
Register Default
Description Range
Number. Value
7 Action on Loss of Comms Nothing (No Action), Nothing
Stop, Close, Open,
Position
8 Limited Range Position Minimum 0 - 100% 0%
9 Limited Range Position Maximum 0 - 100% 100%
10 Deadband 0.0 - 25.5% 5.0%
11 Motion Inhibit Time 0 - 255 sec 3 sec
12 Aux Input Mask 0 - 255 (00 – FF hex) 15 (0F)
13 Comms Lost Position 0.0 - 100.0% 0.0%
14 Hysteresis 0.0 - 25.5% 2.0%
22 Address 0 - 247 247
23 Baud Rate (baud) 300, 600, 1k2, 2k4, 9k6
4k8, 9k6, 19k2, 38k4
57k6 and 115k2
24 Parity (1 stop bit) Odd, Even, None None
25 Termination 0 = Off – 1 = On Off
8.3 Maintenance and Repair
There is no periodic service requirement for the MFU.
Repairs should not be attempted on the module. Replacing the MFU assembly with a new
replacement device should rectify any failure. Static sensitive devices are used in the MFU. It is
therefore mandatory to observe anti-static precautions when handling or working on the unit.
8.4 Records
In order that a replacement can be easily introduced in the event of a device failure it is very important
to record and keep safe all the settings made for the variable registers. The table lists all the registers
that must be checked and set up for each Modbus Module on a network. The data should be recorded
for each module.
Note: Make a note of all changes to register settings to ensure that, in the case of a failure,
the replacement device can be swiftly set to the correct values.
 Actuator Configurable Registers
Parameter
Description Setting Notes
Number.
7 Action on Loss of Comms
8 Limited Range Position Minimum
9 Limited Range Position Maximum
10 Deadband
11 Motion Inhibit Time
12 Aux Input Mask
13 Comms Lost Position
14 Hysteresis
19 ESD DI-4/Net Disable
21 Comms Fault Timer
 Network Configurable Registers
Parameter
Description Setting Notes
Number.
22 Address
23 Baud Rate (baud)
24 Parity and Stop bits
25 Termination on or off
26-31 Actuator Tag Name
8.5 Troubleshooting
In general, most of the problems that are seen with actuators fitted to a Modbus network are due to
wiring errors and are simple to test and fix.
Often, the problem is that the network is connected to the wrong actuator terminals. The correct
terminal numbers are given in the wiring diagram that comes with each new actuator. If this diagram
has been lost, then a new one can be found on the Rotork web site. The wiring diagram number is
usually given on the actuator name plate.
The terminal connections can be confirmed with a multimeter. With the actuator powered-down, a
resistance of approximately 73,000 ohms should be measured across the correct terminals. This will
also confirm that the actuator internal loom is correctly connected to a working MFU.
If the reading is open circuit, then there may be a loom problem (only to be seen in a retrofitted
actuator – all actuators are factory tested before shipping), there may not be an MFU fitted, or the
MFU may be damaged.
If the network is attached to the correct terminals and there are no communications, then perhaps the
A and B connections are reversed. These could be swapped, again with the actuator powered down,
and communications checked again with the actuator powered up.
If there are still issues with communications, then please confirm that the correct address, baud rate
and parity have been set in the actuator and that they correspond with the settings in the known
working DCS.
If there are still issues with communications, please contact Rotork Technical Support at the telephone
numbers given on the back page of this manual.
The following information helps with the investigation:
1. Actuator Serial number from the actuator name plate.

2. Wiring Diagram number from the actuator name plate.
3. Software version. If the actuator has a display, the software versions of the fitted PCBs may
be obtained by following the instructions in the actuator manual. If there is no software
version given for the MFU, then it may not be fitted. If the actuator has no display and no
communications, you will not be able to obtain the software version of the MFU.
4. Type of actuator.
5. Feedback from DCS.
http://www.rotork.com
UK USA
Rotork reserves the right to Rotork PLC Rotork Controls Inc.
amend and change
specifications without prior Tel: +44 (0) 1225 733 200 Tel: +1 (585) 247 2304
notice. Fax: +44 (0) 1225 333 467 Fax: +1 (585) 247 2308
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]
Published data may be
subject to change. Please
check web site for latest
version.

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Modbus RTU Actuator Control

6.2 Outer Protocol ....................................................................................................................... 39

Fig 1: The Modbus Module Option Card Actuator Compatibility ..................................................... 7

ACTCON Actuator Control (Register).

IQ3 SI3 K-Range

Fig 1: The Modbus Module Option Card Actuator Compatibility

The Modbus Module has three variants:

 Single RS-485 highway

Communication Medium RS-485 2-wire highway (single or dual), half duplex

2 MODBUS OPTION CARD PROPERTIES

2.1 Mechanical properties

Fig 2: The Modbus Field Unit

2.2 Electrical Properties

2.3 Operation and Storage

 Operating temperature: -40deg C to +70deg C

3 FITTING THE MODBUS MODULE OPTION CARD

3.1 Inside an IQ3 actuator

Option Slots Back of the control module

3.2 Replacing or Fitting a Modbus Module Option Card

Once the module is fitted, the actuator should be re-assembled.

3.3 Inside an SI₃ actuator

3.4 Inside a CVA actuator

The MFU is connected to the control module by a header, SK2.

This procedure is best performed by a Rotork Engineer.

3.5 Inside a CMA actuator

Fig 5: The MFU located in a CMA actuator

Connection details are shown in the illustrations on the next page.

Fig 9: Connections to the MFU located in a CMA actuator

3.6 Inside a K-Range actuator

Modbus Option Card

Fig 10: The MFU located in a K-Range actuator

4 RS-485 DATA HIGHWAY, CONNECTIONS AND MFU SETUP

4.1 Data Highway

T = Terminator Screened cable throughout

4.2 Highway Topology

It is good practice to avoid spur lines wherever possible.

Actuator internal spur length as in the table below:

Actuator Type IQ3 SI3 CVA CMA K-Range

4.3 Cable Types

Data Pair Data Pair

Fig 13: Typical RS-485 cable

4.4 Termination Network

Biasing Resistor 560 Ω

Termination Resistor 120 Ω

Biasing Resistor 560 Ω

4.5 Inter-connecting the Highway and Setting up the MFU

4.5.1 Single Highway

4.5.2 Dual Highway

4.5.3 Single Highway with Internal Repeater

5 THE ACTUATOR INPUT AND OUTPUT SIGNALS

RS-485 data highway

Fig 15: Input and Output Data Direction

5.1 Control Outputs

See also Section 8.1.5 for a similar explanation.

The control commands have three potential sources:

 Modbus RS-485 network generated commands

The full list of commands is shown in the next table.

Command IQ3 SI₃ CVA CMA K-Range

Direct Hard Wired Inputs

 Stop With no other command present this digital command causes an